Cerebral Palsy Massage Therapy

Cerebral Palsy Massage Therapy

Complementary therapy has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and massage therapy for children with cerebral palsy has proven to offer an array of mental, emotional, and physical benefits. Keep in mind, however, that you should always consult with your physician before starting a massage therapy program for your child.

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is an alternative form of therapy treatment in which the body’s connective tissues and muscles are massaged and stimulated through direct contact by a massage therapist in order to promote healing and well-being to the client/patient.

Massage therapists apply direct pressure with the hands to various parts of the body. The pressure can range from light to heavy, depending on which part of the body is being stimulated. There are numerous types of massage techniques that are utilized. In fact, therapists can use over 180 techniques with their hands, elbows, arms, and more.

How Does Massage Therapy Benefit Children with Cerebral Palsy?

Although the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that more research is needed before recommending massage therapy to every child with cerebral palsy, the American Therapy Massage Association (AMTA) suggests that anyone can benefit from massage.

Benefit #1 – Fewer Physical Symptoms

According to a study published in 2004 by the University of Miami’s School of Medicine and the Easter Seals Society, massage has numerous physical benefits for children with cerebral palsy, including lessening painful symptoms. In a study carried out by the Easter Seal Society and the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (UCP) in Miami, children of various ages (with the mean age of a little over 2-years-old) with different types of cerebral were given routine massages, carried out by licensed massage therapists.

The results indicated that the majority of the children who participated in the study showed reduced physical symptoms in the following:

Reduced spasticity

Reduced hypertonic muscle tone (less rigid muscles)

Reduced hand and feet contractures

Benefit #2- Cranial Stimulation Promotes Well-Being

Massage also stimulates the brain’s pressure receptors. Cerebral palsy develops due to a brain injury, and when the cranial area is massaged and stimulated, it helps to not only promote a sense of calmness, but also to helps children focus and concentrate better.

Benefit #3- Improved Fine and Gross Motor Functioning

When muscles are relaxed and less rigid, fine and gross motor functioning improves. This can help children with cerebral palsy in all aspects of their lives, including playing, socializing, learning, and carrying out daily tasks.

Benefit #4- Increased Circulation and Better Digestive Health

People with cerebral often have circulation and digestion issues. Immobility often to leads to circulatory problems, while structural abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system can lead to digestion issues.

A study on massage and cerebral palsy published by Nursing Times indicates that regular massages promote changes in color and temperature of paralyzed limbs, as well as increased blood circulation. Better blood circulation results in lowered blood pressure, improved nutrition absorption, increased oxygen intake, and reduced heart rate.

Since massages can relieve tension in the abdominal area, it can lead improved by digestive health by:

Reducing gassiness and bloating

Stimulating peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food), leading to better digestions

Aiding in the release of digestive enzymes

Stimulating kidney and liver activity

Benefit #5 Improved Sleep

One of the main reasons parents enroll children with cerebral palsy in massage sessions is to help them sleep better. Many adults with cerebral palsy also enroll in massage sessions for the same reason.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), massaging may play an important role in the quality of sleep children with cerebral palsy get. Although more research is needed to determine how many people exhibit long-term, positive sleep patterns after massage, many parents report that they feel massage therapy helps their children to not only fall asleep faster but stay asleep longer.

Benefit #6- Integumentary System Protection

The integumentary system is the body’s organ system that consists the skin, exocrine glands, hair, and nails, which all act as the body’s first line of defense to outside factors. Children with cerebral often have problems with skin infections and other integumentary system problems because they some aren’t able to properly care for themselves on a regular basis. Massage can help protect the integumentary system by:

Stimulating the skin

Improving skin tone and texture

Assisting in body temperature regulation

Promoting tissue repair

Moisturizing skin

Removing dead skin

Stimulating sensory receptors

Where Can my Child Get Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy takes places in a variety of settings, but before you choose a place for your child, make sure the massage therapist is not only certified in massage therapy but also experienced in working with children with cerebral palsy.

The following are common places where massage therapy takes place:

Physical therapy centers

Private massage therapy offices

Hospitals

Chiropractic centers

Athletic clubs and sports centers

Spas

At home (there are private massage therapists who visit the home)

Health clinics

Which Children Should Not Get Massage Therapy?

It’s important to talk with your child’s physician before starting a massage therapy program. Although massage therapy has shown numerous benefits to children with cerebral palsy, but in some instances, it’s not advisable. The following are among the most common reasons a physician may warn against massage therapy for your child:

What Massage Therapy Does NOT Provide

The following is a general list of what is not provided during a massage therapy session for your child. If you have any questions, make sure you ask the massage therapist beforehand.

Massage therapists cannot:

Offer any form of medical advice regarding your child’s disorder or any other medical issue

Provide any type of psychological counseling

Provide diet or nutrition counseling

Touch private parts of the child’s body

Perform any type of surgery

Provide skin or cosmetology services

It’s also important to remember that since massage therapy is not yet considered a primary form of treatment for cerebral palsy, your insurance may not be able to cover the expenses. Be certain to check with your insurance provider prior to enrollment. If your insurance doesn’t cover massage therapy, your physician may be able to suggest affordable massage center options.